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Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Ltd
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Our history

Over the past 45 years, we've grown and diversified our offerings, with a focus on the people we help within our community. We hope to continue to evolve our services and offer support to those who need it most. 

Here is a the journey so far...

20 Jul 1975 - Lifeline Toowoomba opened at Matilda House, 88 Russell Street, Toowoomba (receiving 600 to 700 calls per annum). Rev Geoff Waugh serves as the Interim Director.

Jan 1976 - Rev Robert Holt takes over as the Director of Lifeline Toowoomba.

Apr 1977 - Sister Bernadette Curtin L.C.M. is appointed Director.

Jan 1979 - The Family Support Service (known originally as The Homemaker Service) is first funded.

Feb 1980 - Rev Noel Park begins as Director/Managing Director.

Jul 1980 - The Material Aid Service (now called Emergency Relief) is established.

Aug 1980 - The Counselling Centre is relocated to 161 Hume Street, Toowoomba.

June 1982 - The Dalby and Warwick Sub-Committees are established to help fund the first landline to Toowoomba 

May 1983 - Lifeline’s current logo is approved by the National Lifeline Board of Australia.

1984/1985 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 2-6 Hodgson Street.

1987 - Lifeline Farmline is established to help farmers cope with high interest rates.

1988 - Relocation of the Counselling Centre to 127 Russell Street 

1991 - The Dalby Office is opened.

Jun 1993 - The Break-Even Program is established.

Jul 1993 - Telstra introduces the National Number 13 11 14.

Dec 1993 - The Counselling Centre relocates to 5 Mill Street.

1995 - Rural Family Counselling Service established.

18 Sep 1996 - The Company is registered.

1997 - Warwick Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

1998 - St George Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

Oct 1998 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 192A Stephen Street.

Jul 1999 - Charleville Office is established.

Nov 1999 - Office at 1 Taylor Street, Toowoomba is established.

May 2000 - Derek Tuffield appointed General Manager.

4 Aug 2001 - Dalby Office (1 Patrick Street) is officially opened.

25 Jun 2003 - The Lifeline Smart Tip Shop is officially opened.

Feb 2004 - Premises at 17 Long Street, Toowoomba are purchased.

2006 - National Roll-Out of Greater Access Program by Lifeline Australia Incorporated-13 11 14.

Apr 2010 - Office opens at 34 Queen St, Roma.

Jun 2010 - Office opens at 24 Stockyard St, Cunnamulla.

30 Aug 2011 - Execution of new Memorandum of Understanding III between UnitingCare Community and Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD Ltd.

31 Dec 2012 - Official Opening of relocated Head Office at 33 Russell Street.

21 June 2013 - Official Opening of Renovations to Distribution Centre, 192A Stephen Street, Toowoomba.

26 May 2014 - Opening of New Shop in Warwick.

Oct 2015 - First not-for-profit enterprise to be awarded the Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards – Business of the Year.

Nov 2015 - Opening of Herries Street Superstore.

5 Feb 2016 - Opening of new Smart Tip Shop, Wellcamp

13 May 2016 - Official Opening of the Flexi School Intergenerational Mentoring Hub, Toowoomba.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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33 Russell Street
Toowoomba
QLD 4350

Tel: 1300 991 443
Fax: 07 4699 1610

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Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd ABN 97075403959